Harmonic Vibration @ 70 to 75mph?

[Kanab]

I read on a LX470 forum that they have some that had harmonic problems. I guess all LX's have weights at different points on the vehicle that regulate the harmonic's in the drivetrain. I'm not concerned, but I don't have a harmonic problem Hope they find a fix for you guys with the problem.

 

[KMX3060]

I just gotta say that I looked for the problem on my '05 SE V-8 4X4. I found it when I was looking for it. It seems to have gone away now at 5K miles.

With all the hystronics everyone has about this "Problem Indicator" I have not seen anyone have a mechanical failure from whatever is causing it. No one is reporting that the problem gets worse with mileage. Nothing ever breaks or wears out from it happening.

I think I have made my best vehicle purchase ever with this vehicle. Even with the "vibration"!!!


__________________

 

[JungleJim]

Seems like Lexus here and Toyota in Aus have fixes for it, but Toyota here is not interested.

http://www.lcool.org/technical/120_series/vibration/90hz.html

Are the parts mentioned there the same/similar to those on the 4Runner?

 

[bulldog-yota]

Are the parts mentioned there the same/similar to those on the 4Runner?

The prado/4runner/GX share the same driveline, so th parts will fit on all of them.

 

[T4RMatt]

Sorry about the old thread........but my V6 does the same thing whether it is in 2hi or 4hi. I guess this is more than just a V8 problem.

 

[mnarcticcat]

WOW! This is amazing, with a simple search I find my fellow Toyota 4Runner owners are experiencing my pain as well.

Here's my story:

I purchased a 1997 4Runner with 169,000 miles on it last October. I've had Tacoma's prior & I love this vehicles!

At around 174,000 miles I'm experiencing the same problems as all of you are stating. I've had this thing in the shop about 5-6 times now & still nothing has been found.

I've done the following:

- Balanced & Rotated the tires (2 times!)
- Changed all of the Gear Lube over to Amsoil Synthetic Gear Lube
- Replaced U-Joints & Balanced the Drive Shaft

Still, nothing has helped. The local shop told me they would just wait until something breaks if there's truly something wrong with it. (I did not like that answer!) This is our family car & we're expecting our first child in April & don't want to be sticking my child in a car that I'm not sure is 100% mechanically sound!

The only thing I've done to this vehicle is installed a Lund Bug Shield, & OME Rear Leveling Springs.

Any.........ANY advice would be "EXTREMELY" appreciated! If I can't get this thing fixed soon I'm getting rid of it! The vehicle is worth around $5500-$6500 still & I've already lost about $400 trying to diagnose this problem. If it was worth more I might be willing to invest more.

Thanks for all of the valuable info all of you guys provide! This is a great forum!

Best Regards,

Eric (MnArcticCat)
- Minnesota

 

[LTWU]

ok not to revive a really old thread but i'm kinda noob here. experiencing this wonderful harmonic vibration. it's at the dealer today, they're gonna look at it. have 60k miles on it. was really bad from 15k on. no one could figure it out. they're gonna tear apart the bearing and other stuff today 'cause a mechanic went on a ride a long with me and was like "this isn't normal."

waiting room was full of pissed off toyota owners who were in for recalls of all sorts. seems like the dealers are really wanting to make their customers happy or at least trying. i spent $175 on a detail 2 weeks ago, took it in, they washed it and jacked it up so they're gonna buff it and wax, etc. mine's black but they used dirty mitts so they put a lot of noticeable scratches in it.

 

[Slider]

I know this thread is rather old, but the descriptions of the problems other people have noted match my problem rather precisely. Noticed it today for the very first time (it is my wife's car so I don't drive it all that much as we usually take my car for longer distance trips -- highway speeds seem to be the issue).

Roughly 70-75mph with the engine under load I can feel a vibration in the floor, the passenger in the front seat can feel it as well. Slight humming/whirring noise as well. As soon as I take my foot off of the gas it's all gone. I heard it once earlier, too, probably around 45-50mph with low RPMs and engine under load again, but it's much easier to reproduce at highway cruising speeds.

It is rather cold outside today. Snowy and single digit temps up to the teens.


Did anyone ever get this problem resolved?

Mine: 2007 V8 Sport 4WD with 40,000 miles.

 

[Woodcutter]

I know this is an older thread, but just to add my experience - I see most here are seeing this with the V8. I bought a 2000 T4R 3.4L V6 a few months ago and just recently started hearing the harmonic throb starting at about 60 mph. Haven't noticed yet if it's only under load, foot on the gas, or the RPM's. I don't really feel a vibration, it's more of a cyclic low-pitched droning sound, cycles about every 2 seconds or so. It is not a metallic grinding or whining - not really a scary kind of sound but it's pretty noticeable.
Also note that this is in July in Denver so we're not talking cold temps although I do seem to notice it more in the morning after it's been sitting overnight. Still talking temps in the 60's.
Transmission was rebuilt by previous owner at about 130K miles (don't know what shop), and it's at 137K now. Also timing belt & water pump were done around the same time by previous owner, and the torque converter had been rebuilt too. ToyTec 2" lift with Old Man Emu shocks, so it is lifted but less than some others. 32" BFG's on it with good tread. Just passed emissions with flying colors and I don't get a sense that there's any missing or that the timing is out. That said - i guess I should check the torque on the harmonic balancer bolt. Anyway, I'd be real interested if anyone finds anything out definitive on the droning issue.

 

[sho3000cc]

Harmonic Vibration

Hey Guys,

I have the same problem with my fully stock 2004 Lmted v8 black 4runner 54k miles only. For the pass year, I notice a low volume hum at speeds above 25 mph. And the Crappy Harmonic Vibration in the steering wheel between 65-78 mph. It's not tires or alignment / balancing.....had it all. SUCKS!!!! Any solutions, let me know please.....

 

[Slider]

Quick update for my 4Runner.

The vibration is still there during the same conditions: 70-75mph, engine under load, 2-3k rpm roughly... however it's maybe 1/5th as strong as it used to be. I can feel/hear is still, but barely. I haven't changed anything on the car, just more miles (just under 55k now)

 

[DavisTN]

I have an '03, and just started getting this in Feb of 2014 about 5,000 miles after changing the timing belt (@ about 108,000 on vehicle). My immediate thoughts were that I had screwed something up when I changed the timing belt. I have since slowly gone back through everything I took apart and have ruled out errors in timing belt change.

Since ruling that out, I have:
-replaced all U-joints
-tires balanced
-replaced both front wheel bearings
-replaced rear drive shaft
-replaced both cv-axles
-replaced fr/rear differential fluid
-replaced serpentine belt tensioner... long shot

My latest change was installing Bilstein 5100's and FJ Cruiser coils, for a net lift of a little less than 3" up front. I've been running 285/70/17's for over two years and didn't have this issue until about 6 months ago. My next step was going to be a front differential overhaul, but it sounds like that may be a waste of time after reading through this thread since the issue is being diagnosed as harmonic. It has crossed my mind, and this thread supports it, to replace the crank pulley/harmonic balancer. Since the noise began somewhat shortly after having the crank pulley/balancer off the vehicle, the crank pulley has been on my list of things to replace or investigate. Has anybody else suffering from this issue gone down that road?

I've spent countless hours under my 4runner hoping to find that loose bolt/heat-shield/anything! It is driving me crazy. It is getting more severe- or at least I'm noticing it more. It's starting to remind me of my Jeep XJ days... I hate throwing parts at a problem instead of being able to diagnose->research->fix. If the problem is truly harmonic, it seems replacing the harmonic balancer would be an easy diagnosis & fix. Just wanted to see if anybody had tried that before dropping the money.

 

[sho3000cc]

Solutions !!!!

Just an update on some problems with my 4runner.

#1 Hmmm noise/ drivetrain noise/ Rhythmic vibrations between approx 55-77mph ....even at lower speeds sometimes. It was the Bearings/hubs. For approx 370.00 from Marion Bumper2Bumper Automotive Did it myself with help from!!!!!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVuM8iVO6u8
Rent tools from local autopart store....Autozone was AWESOME !!!!! Tot of three hours..BEFORE YOU TAKE THE BRAKES/CALIPERS APART HAVE YOUR WIFE INSIDE THE TRUCK PRESSING THE BRAKES WHILE YOU USE A HALF INCH DRIVE BREAKER BAR AND 35MM SOCKET TO TAKE THE AXLE SCREW OFF....THEN PROCEED TO THE BARKES/CALIPERS.

#2 The rattle in the exhaust was proven to be in the Cats !!!! got them replaced under warranty about three years ago. Now the sound is back !!! Dam you Toyota !!!!!

#3 My exhaust rusted away at the muffler. Can u say Rockauto !!! for approx 215.00 delivered, you get all the gaskets, insulators, muffler and tailpipe section to do the jog yourself. Easy as Pie. one and half hours.

 

[Proyota]

Harmonic Vibration

My wife's 2004 4Runner Sport V8 AWD that is completely stock with no modifications (stock 17" wheels and tire size, stock suspension with no lift kit). It's her daily driver. It has the same harmonic vibration that occurs around 50 - 55mph goes away until it reaches 70-75mph under load. letting off the accelerator and it subsides. It can be felt thru the steering wheel and body of the vehicle. I just installed brand new tires thinking the old ones may have been the source of the harmonic vibration sound but it did not go away. I figured it must be the start of a front wheel bearing starting to go bad since I could feel it it the floor board and steering whee. I then replaced both front wheel hubs & bearings and rechecked the vehicle and found the harmonic vibration is still present. I don't want to keep replacing parts so we had a very reputable Toyota Master technician inspect the vehicle for us and he found that it seems to be engine speed related.

We were able to duplicated the harmonic vibration at the shop I work at. We hoisted the vehicle on a lift and ran it up to 70 mph we had to lock the center differential so we could get all 4 wheels to spin (otherwise traction control kept engaging and inhibiting accelerating the vehicle over 15 to 20mph). Using a stethoscope we listed to both the front & rear differentials for any type of abnormal bearing noise (pinion bearings, etc) none found. We listened to the rear axle bearings and did not hear any abnormal bearing noise. We inspected both front and rear drive lines and u-joints no abnormal wear or play found. We lubed the u-joints and slip joints and rechecked the vehicle for the harmonic vibration and found it's still present.

While the vehicle was still on the hoist we put the transmission into drive and applied the brakes (now none of the wheels, differentials or drive lines are spinning) . We slowly increased the engine to approx. 1000 RPMs and were able to duplicate the harmonic vibration. We were able to feel the vibration thru the steering wheel and body of the vehicle.

As we continued to inspect the vehicle some of our other technicians got involved to assist us. We found the sound seemed to be coming from the exhaust system. As the harmonic vibration was occurring we applied pressure to the exhaust system using a pry bar at various locations. When applied pressure to exhaust system where the two exhaust pipes join at the cross over pipe the harmonic vibration went away. Being underneath the vehicle it sounds like harmonic drone in the exhaust system. It's very weird and we're still working on determining the root cause but will keep updating as we learn more.

On a side note... How do I get rid of the stupid adds below my posts? Frustrating!

 

[DavisTN]

I think I have resolved my vibration issue! Reading back through this post, it seems my solution may be related to some but not all who are experiencing this issue. The first time I felt this vibration was on a (rare) snowy day here in TN back in Jan 2014, which is similar to what some have said above.

I replaced the bearing in the idler pulley on the belt tensioner last night. Drove to work this morning, and the vibration is COMPLETELY gone. Quite a relief after over a year of chasing this. Replacement part was $17. I ended up pressing the bearing out of the replacement part and pressed it into the OEM idler pulley. Hope this helps at least a few of you in eliminating the on/off the gas vibrations!

 

[DontKnowRunner]

I think I have resolved my vibration issue! Reading back through this post, it seems my solution may be related to some but not all who are experiencing this issue. The first time I felt this vibration was on a (rare) snowy day here in TN back in Jan 2014, which is similar to what some have said above.

I replaced the bearing in the idler pulley on the belt tensioner last night. Drove to work this morning, and the vibration is COMPLETELY gone. Quite a relief after over a year of chasing this. Replacement part was $17. I ended up pressing the bearing out of the replacement part and pressed it into the OEM idler pulley. Hope this helps at least a few of you in eliminating the on/off the gas vibrations!

Chris (DavisTN), Does your fix remain successful? How difficult was it to replace the idler pulley, and which one was it - the SM has more than one idler pulley - ? I've attached a screenshot of the SM for reference.

 

[DavisTN]

Chris (DavisTN), Does your fix remain successful? How difficult was it to replace the idler pulley, and which one was it - the SM has more than one idler pulley - ? I've attached a screenshot of the SM for reference.

I may not have called it by the correct name. It was the bearing on the serpentine belt tensioner that was creating some chatter. That vibration is resolved.

 

[agridi57]

I may not have called it by the correct name. It was the bearing on the serpentine belt tensioner that was creating some chatter. That vibration is resolved.

Did this feel/sound like an on/off engine cutoff type of vibration/sound? When I am driving on the highway i get this vibration like if I am constantly pushing and letting the gas go. Front wheel bearings were just replaced but noise is still there. I have a 2006 SR5 V6 FWD.

 

[chat.sirichanvimol]

Could be a couple of things... bad tire wear that could be resolved by rotating the tires, improper wheel balancing which can be rebalanced by a service tech but it's unlikely because it would have just started happening, could be bad bearings which is most likely and can be replaced.

 

[Proyota]

I think I have resolved my vibration issue! Reading back through this post, it seems my solution may be related to some but not all who are experiencing this issue. The first time I felt this vibration was on a (rare) snowy day here in TN back in Jan 2014, which is similar to what some have said above.

I replaced the bearing in the idler pulley on the belt tensioner last night. Drove to work this morning, and the vibration is COMPLETELY gone. Quite a relief after over a year of chasing this. Replacement part was $17. I ended up pressing the bearing out of the replacement part and pressed it into the OEM idler pulley. Hope this helps at least a few of you in eliminating the on/off the gas vibrations!

Just wanted to thank you for commenting on this thread. Our 4Runner is at 133K and we just did a ton of preventative maintenance. Including: replacing the serpentine drive belt, Serp Belt Tensioner / Pulley Assembly and the Serp Idler Pulley.

The harmonic vibration if gone! The Idler Pulley Bearing may have been the root cause. It was worn, had developed play, was rough when spinning.

:banana: